The Sony α (alpha) DSLR-A350 SLR Digital Camera features technologies that make picture taking faster, easier, and more familiar for first-time DSLR users. The camera's 14.2 Megapixel resolution APS-C CCD image sensor and BIONZ processing engine assures that users of all skill levels will produce superb image quality while the Quick AF Live View technology of the camera's variable angle 2.7" Clear Photo LCD Display makes framing your image as easy as it is with a compact point-and-shoot digital camera without sacrificing auto-focusing speed.
The Quick AF Live View feature is made possible by Sony's innovative Pentamirror Tilt mechanism that directs light to a dedicated live view image sensor, enabling fast and responsive TTL phase-detection auto-focusing, even during live view. Furthermore, the variable angle feature of the display makes it easy to frame scenes from high or low positions that would be difficult to view when using an eye-level viewfinder.
To aid shooting in low light, the camera incorporates Sony's Super SteadyShot image stabilization enables shutter speeds 2.5 to 3.5 steps slower than otherwise possible, and since the image stabilization system is built into the camera body, you'll be able to take advantage of the image stabilization with every compatible Minolta Maxxum and Sony (alpha) lens ever available. The DSLR-A350 also provides high sensitivity operation at ISO 1600 and 3200 while producing very low noise, plus Sony's D-Range Optimizer delivers suitable tonality and exposures with rich shadow and highlight detail, even under high contrast situations.
Although the camera is easy to use, the DSLR-A350 still can provide professional level performance and speed. It can shoot about three continuous frames per second when using the optical viewfinder, and the supplied InfoLITHIUM battery provides for fast start-up times, and long battery life - up to 730 shots per full charge when using the optical viewfinder and up to 410 shots per full charge in live-view mode. But even with all of these superb features, the DSLR-A350 is lighter and slimmer than previous models, and a comfortable camera grip with an easily accessible mode dial makes shooting with the A350 an enjoyable experience - even after hours of location shooting.
| Camera Type | Interchangeable Lens SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Digital Camera with In-camera Image Stabilization |
| Image Quality | |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | APS-C size (23.6x15.8mm) 14.8 Megapixel Super HAD CCD with RGB Primary Color Filter and Double anti dust system (anti-static coating and CCD shift mechanism) |
| Effective Resolution | 14.2 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 36-Bit RGB |
| Color Modes | Standard, Vivid, Portrait, Landscape, Night view, Sunset, Black & White, Adobe RGB |
| Image File Formats |
RAW JPEG (Fine, Normal) RAW + JPEG |
| Recorded Resolution |
3:2 Aspect Ratio Large (4592 x 3056) Medium (3408 x 2272) Small (2288 x 1520) 16:9 Aspect Ratio |
| Video Recording | No |
| Audio Recording | No |
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | A-mount (compatible with Sony Alpha & Minolta A-type bayonet mount) |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1.5x |
| Optical Image Stabilization | Yes (CCD-Shift Super SteadyShot system) |
| Focus Control | |
|---|---|
| Focus Type | TTL Phase Detection AF (9 Area Multi-point with 1 Cross Sensor) |
| Focus Modes | Auto Focus, Adjustable Spot AF, Visual Focus Confirm |
| Exposure Control | |
|---|---|
| Sensitivity |
Auto ISO Selectable ISO (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200) |
| Shutter Type | Electronically-controlled, vertical-traverse, focal-plane shutter |
| Shutter Speed | 30 - 1/4000 seconds, Bulb |
| Mirror Lock-Up | Yes |
| Exposure Metering | Multi-Pattern Measuring (1200-zone Evaluative Metering, Center Weighted, Spot) with AF Illuminator Light |
| Exposure Modes | Automatic, Program Auto (with Program Shift), Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual, Scene selection, AE Lock, Exposure compensation (+/-2.0 EV, 0.3 EV step), AE Bracketing (0.3 EV or 0.7 EV increments, 3 frames) |
| White Balance Modes | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Tempature/Color filter, Custom each setting adjustable)tep. |
| Scene Modes | Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Sunset, Night portrait |
| Flash | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Flash | Pop-up Flash (Auto, Fill-flash, Rear flash sync, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Red-Eye Reduction) |
| Effective Flash Range | Up to 39' (12 m) |
| External Flash Connection |
Hot Shoe Wireless flash (with HVL-F56AM & HVL-F36AM) |
| External Flash Control | ADI / Pre-flash TTL flash metering with Flash Compensation (HVL-F56AM & HVL-F36AM Flash units supported) |
| Maximum Flash Synchronization Speed | 1/160 second |
| Performance | |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Time | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Shutter Lag | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Time Between Shots | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Burst Capability |
2 fps JPEG: Up to memory capacity RAW: 6 frames RAW + JPEG: 3 frames |
| Self Timer | 10 seconds & 2 seconds |
| Interval Recording | No |
| Date & Time Stamp | No (included in image metadata and available when using PictBridge) |
| Memory & Power | |
|---|---|
| Built-in Memory | No |
| Compatible Memory Cards |
CompactFlash (Type I & II) Microdrive Memory Stick Duo/PRO Duo media with optional MSAC-MCF1N adapter) |
| File Size | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Battery Type | NP-FM500H Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (7.2V, 1600 mAh) |
| Power Adapter | AC Adapter (optional) |
| Input/Output | |
|---|---|
| Computer Interface | USB 2.0 Hi-speed |
| Direct Print Capable | Yes (PictBridge) |
| Remote Control | Sony Remote Commander (optional) |
| Video Output | NTSC & PAL |
| System & Software Requirements |
Windows 2000, XP, Vista Macintosh OS X (10.3 or later) |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Viewfinder | Fixed eye-level viewfinder with Pentamirror, spherical acute matte focusing screen, and Diopter Adjustment (-2.5 to +1.0 diopter) |
| Viewfinder Info | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, manual exposure, spot metering circle, ISO speed, exposure level, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, flash exposure level), white balance correction, JPEG recording, number of remaining shots, memory card information, Anti-shake system indicator |
| Depth-of-Field Preview | No |
| LCD Display | 2.7" Tiltable TFT Color LCD (230,000 pixels) with Clear Photo LCD Plus design |
| Information Display | Uses 2.7" LCD to present all camera info; Metering mode, Shooting mode, Aperture, AF mode, AF point, Shutter speed, ISO, Shots remaining, Drive mode, Battery level, Exposure compensation setting, Flash compensation setting. |
| Language Options | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Russian, Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, Finish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian |
| Playback Options | Single Image, Index (4, 9, 16 selectable), Image + text, Image + text + histogram, Enlarged playback (Up to approximately 5x), Luminance limit Display, File browser, Slideshow, Instant bracket playback, Enlarged display, Automatic rotate function, Image correction (Contrast, Color saturation, Sharpness, Hue (5 levels)) |
| Physical | |
|---|---|
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 4 x 5.3 x 3" (99 x 138 x 75 mm) without lens |
| Weight | 20.5 oz. (582 g) without battery or lens |
Displaying reviews 1-3
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A350 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens & 55-200mm Lens:
I use the A350 for portraits, nature photography and just about everything else. The camera is so versatile it is almost too complicated. I thought it would be a bit faster than advertized ... but it just about makes 2.5 fps ... too slow. Takes incredible pictures and is extremely flexible. The live view is worth every penny. I wish the included Sony lenses were higher quality and greater selection - at least as good as the now extinct Minolta Maxxum lenses. Would be great if Sony would have an HDMI mini plug output for the A350 ... you have to step up to the A700 for that goodie. The camera body feels a bit fragile; but then I am used to the old film SLR bodies made of titanium. Even the Sony point and shoots are metal bodies, makes you wonder why the Sony DSLRs are poly-carbonate - aka plastic.
Overall - very happy with the camera and would recommend to friends.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A350 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens & 55-200mm Lens:
So far (about 4 months already) love it, no problems at all. I agree with other reviewers that it's worth more than it costs.
Only negative is that there is no mirror lock, but that is easy to get around.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alpha DSLR-A350 SLR Digital Camera with Sony 18-70mm Lens & 55-200mm Lens:
I do a lot of travel, landscape and nature photography. I had a tilt LCD on my old Sony DSC-R1 and am glad it is now on a DSLR.. very useful for taking shots close to the ground or overhead, where changing the shooting angle only a little can make a huge difference in composing shots. And, of course, the live (LCD) view is great. Excellent color rendering and resolution/
detail with the 14MP. But if I were to do it again, I'd skip the two lens kit (i.e., only buy the body) and get a higher quality 18-250 mm lens.
It might be a bit more money, but one could get a better lens with the range to seldom need to change any lenses. (I use the 55 -200mm most of the time, but have to changes back to the 28 -70mm
for close-ups, exposing the sensor to dust.
All in all, very pleased with features, design and performance! Get a better lens and you've got a camera worth twice the price!
Displaying reviews 1-3